HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Luciola. The Cloud - 50g, a lighter linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who crave a bright and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola offers a visually striking feature with its glow-in-the-dark design and boasts a medium heft that delivers a smooth, bouncy typing sensation accompanied by a unique sound reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. Each switch presents its own allure: the Cloud - 50g caters to those seeking an energetic and vibrant keypress, while the Luciola enchants users with its tactile feedback and aesthetic appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Luciola, clear distinctions emerge that influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, recognized for its classic properties in mechanical switch design. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is characterized by a round, smooth acoustic quality. This quality is particularly pleasing for users who enjoy a more muted typing experience, where the sound is subdued and less intrusive, contributing to a more serene workspace.
In contrast, the Gateron Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This material is engineered to produce a sound that is pinpointed and slightly higher-pitched, often described as clacky. The INK blend provides a crisp acoustic feedback, which is favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced and lively typing sound. The differences in sound profiles not only stem from the distinct materials used but also from their respective densities and resonance characteristics. Gateron’s proprietary blend is more rigid compared to nylon, leading to a sound that pops with clarity rather than the dampened notes produced by the Cloud - 50g.
Despite these differences, both switches can be evaluated through a similar framework if they were to feature identical materials. In such scenarios, the qualities of the housing would complement each other when pressed, leading to a consistent auditory and tactile feedback experience. In a switch where top and bottom housings are made from the same material, the resulting sound would maintain a balance, merging the deeper tonal properties of nylon or the brighter pitches of INK to create a well-rounded acoustic signature. However, since the Cloud - 50g and Luciola embrace fundamentally different materials, they cater to varying preferences, ensuring both types of users can find a satisfying option that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience that reduces fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Luciola switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in actuation forces suggests that users of the Cloud switch will likely find it easier to type for longer periods, while the Luciola switch offers more resistance, which may be preferred for its tactile feedback. Overall, the Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Luciola is the heavier one, making them suitable for different typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Luciola features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Gateron Luciola would be the better option due to its reduced distance, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the feeling they provide while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g is characterized by a clacky profile, producing a crisp and percussive sound that appeals to those who prefer an energetic typing experience. This sharp auditory feedback can enhance the overall tactile pleasure of typing, making it particularly satisfying for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola features a unique sound profile described as hollow, reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken." It emits a mix of chirpy and marbly tones, which may stand out as less sharp and more resonant than the Cloud - 50g. This blend of characteristics can create a more dynamic and intriguing acoustic experience, but the specific auditory outcome can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience that minimizes friction, promoting effortless key presses. This smoothness caters well to users who prioritize fluid keystrokes and seamless transitions between letters. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is described as having a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy feel, making it snappy and responsive. The combination of a buttery touch and polished finish in the Luciola adds to a refined typing experience, allowing for enjoyable engagement with each key press. Despite the differences in the tactile responses, both switches aim to provide users with satisfying feedback, albeit through distinct mechanisms.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g excels with its bright and clacky sound along with a silky smooth feel, ideal for those seeking a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Luciola presents a charming, dynamic sound profile with a bouncy and polished sensation, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of playfulness in their key feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual taste, as both options deliver a rewarding typing experience, albeit in their own distinct style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Luciola linear switches largely comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and aesthetics. If you favor a lighter touch and a bright, clacky sound that’s seen as ideal for fast typists and those who enjoy a more exciting auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g is your go-to option. Its silky smooth feel allows for quick typing without the fatigue that can come with heavier switches, making it a suitable choice for prolonged writing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and are drawn to the unique visual aspect of glow-in-the-dark switches, the Gateron Luciola, with its medium 60g bottom out force, might be the better fit for you. The snappy, bouncy feel combined with its distinctive sound profile gives a responsive typing experience that some may find more engaging and satisfying over time. Ultimately, think about how you prioritize sound, force, and tactile feedback to determine which switch better fits your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
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